Groenendaal: so many stories in one place
Hoeilaart
Groenendaal, right in the heart of the Sonian Forest, is much more than just a beautiful natural setting. It's hard to believe everything that has happened here. As we walk, we bring the medieval abbey and Europe’s largest racecourse back to life. You’ll hear the incredible story of why, after the First World War, all the ammunition was brought from the Westhoek to Groenendaal, and how the Germans transformed the forest into a gigantic ammunition depot during the Second World War. And much more …
For lovers of history and nature.
The stories
“I have a dream,” said our Jan. “And I have a bigger one,” replied our Leopold. How monks relaxed in the Middle Ages. Thousand bombs and grenades … or when an ammunition train goes up in flames. Hunting and feasting. Why it’s not a good idea to cut down certain trees with a chainsaw. Leopold II builds his own little train station, crazy horse races, Belgium’s grandest bat hotel, and why the Sonian Forest was full of barracks identical to those at Dachau and Buchenwald.
Practical information
Location Groenendaal Station
Distance 7 km
Duration 3 h
/// PLEASE NOTE /// Due to the hilly forest terrain, this walk may be difficult for people with reduced mobility.
